© Mike Lang / USA TODAY NETWORK

For the first time in 13 years, a player that does not play in Los Angeles was named the No. 1 player in the MLB. That player just so happens to be a member of the Atlanta Braves - No. 13, Ronald Acuña Jr. 

Acuña was named the best player in baseball by MLB Network and he recently made an appearance to share his thoughts on the great honor.

Acuña and the Braves interpreter, Franco Garcia, joined MLB Network as Acuña fielded a few questions about being named the best player in baseball. The biggest surprise of the interview was Franco not having to say anything. Ronald has improved in English so much that he fielded all of the questions and answered them by himself! 

Here are a few of the questions he was asked. Ron Darling brought up how Acuña reminds him of his former teammate in Oakland, Rickey Henderson. Henderson is widely known as one of the best leadoff hitters and best basestealers in MLB history. Darling asked Acuña if that is the kind of legacy he wants to have.

"Of course, I want to be like Rickey (Henderson). When he's running, when he's playing defense, I want to be like that in my game." - Acuña

Ronald was then asked about the connection of baseball in Venezuela and why it was important for him to go play for his home country after the Braves season was over.

"For me, it's really important for my people when I go they can see me play for the first time. It's crazy when you play in your country, man. Some people talk crazy but I play hard and you never know when one person is seeing you for the first time. That's why I play." - Acuña

Acuña was then asked what it would take for him to repeat next year as the No. 1 player on the list and here was his response.

"I need to stay healthy and play like I did last year and try to be better than last year. That's it, just keep going." - Acuña

Acuña takes that hard-working mentality with him every time he steps on the diamond. That's what makes him so successful. I think Acuña is preparing for another strong season in 2024!

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